Tennibot, the sports technology company behind the “Rover” ball-collecting robot, has unveiled the “Partner”, its groundbreaking AI-powered autonomous ball machine, is now shipping to consumers.
Designed to emulate the experience of playing with a real human, The Partner is the first ball machine that moves, thinks, and reacts like a true hitting partner.
Tennibot was recently celebrated by TechCrunch as one of the most disruptive companies of 2024 and named by The Robot Report among the most innovative robotics companies in the world.
Shipping comes at an ideal moment, as tennis enthusiasm remains high following Wimbledon and with the US Open on the horizon.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, The Partner uses advanced AI and computer vision to track player movements and deliver realistic, dynamic shots anywhere on the court.
It autonomously adjusts positioning, speed, and difficulty in real time – something no other machine on the market can do.
Whether you’re drilling forehands at a steady pace or pushing your footwork to the limit, The Partner adapts to your game and helps you improve every session.
Game-changing features include:
- AI-Powered Custom Drills: The Partner uses AI to enable players or coaches to create and save programmable shot sequences, including variations in spin, speed, and placement. This makes it ideal for realistic match simulation or personalized skill development.
- Follow Me Mode: Just tap a button and The Partner follows you on and off the court, eliminating the hassle of dragging heavy equipment.
- Auto-Calibration and Multi-Player Training: It automatically calibrates itself for accurate targeting and allows you to train multiple players simultaneously. This maximizes court time and minimizes setup, making it perfect for clubs and academies.
- Intelligent Safety: Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, it stops instantly if someone gets too close, making it ideal for users of all ages.
With a ball speed up to 70 mph, a capacity of 140 balls, and compatibility across hard, clay, grass, and Astroturf surfaces, The Partner is built to support a wide range of skill levels and training styles. The rechargeable battery powers up to five hours of continuous play.
Haitham Eletrabi, CEO and co-founder of Tennibot, says: “There’s never been a better time to get out on the court.
“The excitement around racquet sports is palpable, and now players can bring the most realistic and intelligent ball machine ever created into their own training sessions.
“The Partner doesn’t just fire balls – it learns from you, adapts to you, and makes practice feel like match play.”
Players can now order The Partner at a limited-time special “now shipping” price of $2,195, marking a savings of $805. The Partner is available for purchase in 2 models: one compatible with tennis/padel and another for lovers of pickleball.
